UCAT - Essential Info for 2023
Are you a student with aspirations of pursuing a career in the healthcare industry? If so, you've probably heard of the University Clinical Aptitude Test, commonly referred to as the UCAT. The UCAT is a standardized test used by universities in the UK and Australia as a means of assessing students' aptitude for the study of medicine and healthcare-related courses. In this blog post, we'll explore what the UCAT is, why it's important, and provide some tips to help you prepare for this challenging exam. Whether you're just starting to explore a career in healthcare or you're gearing up to take the UCAT, this post will provide valuable insights to help you succeed.
What is the UCAT test?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by universities across the UK, Australia and New Zealand and internationally to assess a student's aptitude for pursuing healthcare-related courses. The UCAT is split into five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning and Situational Judgement.
How long is the UCAT? What is the UCAT out of?
Students can sit the exam at Pearson VUE test centres throughout the UK and in 130+ countries worldwide. The test takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of up to 228 questions that are designed to measure abilities related to problem-solving and decision making.
When is UCAT 2023?
- Booking opens on 20 June (06:00 BST) 2023, and booking closes 21 September (12 noon BST) 2023.
- Testing begins 10 July 2023 and the final day for testing is 28 September 2023.
Results are delivered to universities in early November of 2023. Students should note that the UCAT is not designed to test knowledge, but to assess a student’s ability to think critically and make decisions.
Is the UCAT hard?
If you are unprepared: yes, the UCAT can be very challenging. However, there are plenty of techniques and strategies you can learn to prepare yourself and make the UCAT infinitely easier.
How to prepare for UCAT
UCAT preparation usually involves reviewing past practice questions and familiarising yourself with the structure of the exam. It’s also important for students to stay calm during their exam as this can help them perform better. Students who are looking for more in-depth preparation can find plenty of online resources including UCAT practice tests, tutorials, tips and strategies from experts:
The UCAT has become increasingly popular over recent years, with many healthcare universities now using it as part of their admissions process. So if you’re thinking of applying for a medical or healthcare course soon, it’s important to be prepared for the UCAT and understand its basics. With a bit of practice, you can make sure you are ready for the exam and get one step closer to your dream career. Good luck!
